Diamante to host UALR women’s classic in 2 weeks

Women’s sports often get the short end of the stick – low funding, scant publicity, etc. – but Diamante Country Club will roll out the red carpet when it hosts the UALR Women’s Classic golf tournament on March 24-25.

Volunteer Nick Eicher describes the invitational tournament as a chance “to further prepare young student athletes…to compete at the highest level of collegiate golf,” as well as to afford “the local community the opportunity to witness these outstanding athletes up close and personal.”

This year’s 8th annual event will bring 85 college golfers, from 17 universities in 12 states and representing 18 countries, along with coaches and family members, to Hot Springs Village. Volunteers from Diamante and the Village in general will host the teams in their homes during the tournament, and special events have been organized by Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church and Diamante Country Club.

Sam Houston State University won the event last year, with University of Central Arkansas coming in fourth, and host team UALR fifth.

Hometown favorite Grier Bennett, a Jessieville High School graduate, will return to the Village with her High Point University team for another shot at the title.

Event coordinator Joyce Wood, along with Madison Pope at Diamante and coach Bridget Norwood of UALR, would like to invite golf fans to come out to the course to see some outstanding student athletes in action.